Adjustable atmospheric corrosion test rack

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for testing corrosion can comprise a frame and a rack having a generally planar face, a first edge, and a second edge. The rack can be pivotably coupled to the frame. The apparatus can be configured for selectively orienting the rack to position the first edge of the rack with a select vertical offset with respect to the second edge of the rack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/901,583, filed Sep. 17, 2019, the entirety of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This application relates to devices, systems, and methods for testingcorrosion.

BACKGROUND

Corrosion effects can be critical when designing materials, components,and articles for various environments. Accordingly, it can be desirableto test materials in such environments.

SUMMARY

Described herein, in various aspects, is an apparatus for testingcorrosion. The apparatus can comprise a frame and a rack having agenerally planar face, a first edge, and an opposing second edge. Therack can be pivotably coupled to the frame. The apparatus can beconfigured for selectively orienting the rack to position the first edgeof the rack with a select vertical offset with respect to the secondedge of the rack.

The apparatuses in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can bemodular and adjustable. In some aspects, the apparatuses can be used inatmospheric corrosion tests. The apparatuses can be installed in alocation to simulate a select environment, such as, for example, on theroof of a parking garage. In some optional aspects, the racks can be 46in by 46 in (1,168.4 mm by 1,168.4 mm) and can be adjusted to threedifferent angles (0°, 30°, 45° to the horizontal), which can approximatedifferent surfaces of a car hood. The angle of exposure can affect thesnow/ice retention, which can lead to the formation of varyingthicknesses of moisture on metal surface. The angle of exposure can alsoaffect the wash off from rain, and this can affect the atmosphericcorrosion mechanisms. This apparatus disclosed herein can helps inidentifying the weather parameters by isolating the corrosion inducingvariables and their primary effect on corrosion in extreme coldclimates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a rack and anupper portion of a frame in accordance with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the assembly in FIG. 1, showingdetail of a retainer for selecting an angle of the rack.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus comprising a lower portionof a frame and a plurality of assemblies as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an image of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 3 with snowaccumulated thereon.

FIG. 5 shows an image of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 3 with samplespositioned thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is tobe understood that this invention is not limited to the particularmethodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,use of the term “a rack” can refer to one or more of such racks.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list.

The following description supplies specific details in order to providea thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan wouldunderstand that the apparatus and associated methods of using theapparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specificdetails. Indeed, the apparatus and associated methods can be placed intopractice by modifying the illustrated apparatus and associated methodsand can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniquesconventionally used in the industry.

The corrosion behavior of a material or a component can be evaluated byservice history, field tests, or accelerated corrosion tests. Theservice history predicts the system's life more accurately, followed byfield tests and accelerated laboratory tests. But time and budgetconstraints make service history and field tests almost impossible formaterial selection and evaluation. Apparatuses as disclosed herein canhelp testing material exposed to different angles, which in turn helpspredicting actual service life more accurately than the acceleratedcorrosion tests.

In general, the environment can be categorized as rural, urban,industrial, and marine based on the corrosion rates of exposed samplesand atmospheric conditions. The most common assumption is that there isvery little to no corrosion in arctic and cold environments. However,previous studies in Antarctic and Arctic regions have dispelled thatnotion, and the corrosion rates are substantial. The atmosphericcorrosion damage in cold environments is close to the main humanactivity, which is concentrated close to the sea/coastal areas. Previousstudies in the subarctic regions of Canada, Norway, and Russia showextensive atmospheric corrosion rates (when compared to Antarctica) dueto the human developments and the resulting increase in mining andmetallurgical industries. Experimental and theoretical work has shownthat the electrochemical process proceeds at temperatures as low as −25°C. to −20° C. Winds can bring in salt-laden snow from the marineenvironment, and the use of deicing salts can also contribute to highlevels of chlorides. With the combination of critical relative humidity,the time of wetness (TOW) of the metal samples will be high, thusextensive atmospheric corrosion damages are observed. Another factorthat contributes to high corrosion rates is low rainfall, which in turncannot periodically wash off the deposited chloride on top of thesamples. The long hours of sunlight in the summer increase the surfacetemperature of the metal samples compared to the ambient temperaturesand this can melt the snow/ice. The temperature of the samples is nottoo high to evaporate the snow/ice deposited but high enough to melt thesnow/ice and keep the samples wet for longer periods of time. Inaddition, the ever-increasing ambient temperatures due to global warmingin recent years affect the presence of snow on top of the metal samples.This leads to the formation of varying thicknesses of wet ice/snowlayers on the metal surface. The combination of urbanization andproximity to marine environments make artic and sub-arctic regions inNorth America an important natural laboratory to study atmosphericcorrosion. However, very little corrosion data is available in coldclimates. Apparatuses as disclosed herein can be used in cold climatesto study the snow retention on top of metal samples as a function ofexposure angles and the effect of snow retention on atmosphericcorrosion. This can be added to the existing standard to test materialsat different exposure angles.

Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to FIGS. 1-4, iscorrosion test apparatus 100. The test apparatus 100 can be used to testatmospheric exposure effects on materials at various angles with respectto the horizontal and at various cardinal orientations. It iscontemplated that the angle of the material can affect retention of snowand ice that can lead to formation of different thicknesses of moistureon surfaces (e.g., metal surfaces). The angle can further affect thewash off from rain, which can change corrosion mechanisms. Accordingly,it is contemplated that the test apparatus 100 as disclosed herein canenable a user to isolate variables that lead to corrosion, as well asthe effect of said variables on material corrosion in certainenvironments (e.g., extreme cold climates). Further, it is contemplatedthat the test apparatus 100 as disclosed herein can maintain the testspecimens at a select height above a reference surface (e.g., at least30 inches above the ground).

The apparatus 100 can comprise a frame 102 and a rack 104 that ispivotably coupled to the frame 102 via a hinge 106. The rack 104 can bepivotably coupled to the frame 102 about a pivot axis 105 (optionally, ahorizontal pivot axis). Optionally, the hinge 106 can comprise a pin 108that extends through both the frame 102 and the rack 104 on each side ofthe rack.

In some aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the frame 102 cancomprise an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 112. The upper portion110 of the frame 102 can comprise a base portion 113 having at least onebase member 114 that defines a perimeter of the base portion. Forexample, the at least one base member 114 can comprise a plurality ofbase members 114 (e.g., four base members) that are coupled together ina rectangular arrangement. Optionally, the base portion 113 can besquare and have a side length. The lower portion 112 of the frame 102can comprise a base 116 that is supported by a plurality of verticallegs 118 that space the base 116 from the ground. The base 116 candefine an upper surface upon which the upper portion 110 of the framecan rest. A pair of horizontal rails 120 can extend parallel to eachother above the upper surface of the base 116 of the lower portion ofthe frame, with the rails being connected to opposing front and rearportions of the base 116. The rails can be spaced by the side length ofthe base 113 plus a small clearance (e.g., ½ inch or 1 inch) to receivethe base portion 113 of the upper portion 110 of the frame 102therebetween. In this way, the rails 120 can restrict lateral movementof the upper portion. In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that eachrespective end of the rails 120 can be secured to the base 116 at alocation proximate a respective vertical leg 118. It is contemplatedthat a square arrangement of base members 114 can enable the upperportion 110 of the frame to engage the lower portion 112 of the frame infour different arrangements that are angularly offset by 90 degrees(e.g., facing North, South, East, and West). In this way, the rack 104can be adjusted to test materials at various orientations with respectto the cardinal directions. The upper portion and lower portion canfurther be coupled together with fasteners 122 (e.g., zip ties, bands,screws, etc.).

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the rack 104 can comprise a pluralityof slats 125 that are coupled to at least one support member 124(optionally, two or more parallel support members 124) and spaced alongthe at least one support member 124 and relative to a first axis 126.The rack 104 can have a first edge 128 and an opposing second edge 130that are spaced relative to the first axis 126. Optionally, the slats125 can cooperatively define a planar or generally planar upper surface132. More generally, the rack 104 (optionally, the slats 125) can definean upper surface having any suitable shape (for example, a planar,arcuate, beveled, tapered, or complex/variable profile) to mimic amaterial to be tested (e.g., a contour of at least a portion of anautomobile hood). Optionally, the slats 125 can be spaced to have gaps134 therebetween (along the first axis 126). The gaps 134 can optionallybe less than 1 inch wide or less than ½ inch wide. The gaps 134 canenable easy removal and replacement of individual slats 125 withoutadjacent slats interfering with the removal and replacement. Optionally,the upper surface of the rack 104 can have dimensions of about 46 inchesby 46 inches. In various aspects, the upper surface of the rack 104 canhave dimensions of greater than 40 inches by greater than 40 inches. Infurther aspects, the upper surface of the rack 104 can have dimensionsof less than 24 inches by less than 24 inches. More generally, it iscontemplated that any selected dimensions can be used. Although theupper surface of the rack 104 is shown having a square profile, it iscontemplated that alternative configurations (e.g., rectangularconfigurations) can be used in which the side dimensions of the rack arenot equal to the front and/or rear dimensions. In some aspects, theslats 125 can be rigid.

As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 can be configured for selectivelyorienting the rack to position the second edge 130 of the rack with aselect vertical offset with respect to the first edge 128 of the rack104. Alternatively, the configuration can be reversed from what is shownin FIG. 3, with the first edge 128 being positioned at a select verticaloffset with respect to the second edge 130. The positioning of the firstand/or second edge can result from pivoting of the rack relative to thehinge 106, which can be placed proximate either the first edge 128 orthe second edge 130. In this way, the rack can be set so that the uppersurface 132 is at a select angle with respect to a horizontal plane(e.g., 0 degrees, 30 degrees, or 45 degrees). These angles canapproximate various surfaces of objects that are exposed to elements andmoisture outdoors (e.g., automobile surfaces).

In some aspects, at least one arm 140 (e.g., two arms 140, as shown) canbe pivotably coupled to the rack 104. Optionally, a transversereinforcement arm 142 can extend between and couple to the two arms 140.Each of the arms 140 can comprise one or more catches 144 (e.g., notchesor hooks) that are configured to engage a cross bar 146 that extendsbetween opposing sides of the base portion 113. The catches 144 can bespaced along the length of the respective arms so that when the catches144 receive the cross bar 146, the rack 104 is held at a select anglewith respect to the horizontal plane. Optionally, the arms can comprisecutouts that define the catches 144. In these aspects, it iscontemplated that a reinforcement plate can be coupled to the arms 142at the catches 144 so that the arms 140 can bear sufficient loads. Infurther aspects, the catches 144 can be welded to, and extend from, thearms 142. The catches 144 can be configured to receive the cross bar 146so that, absent an external force, the cross bar 146 can be retainedwith the respective catches 144. Further, a pair of projecting tabs 148on opposing sides of each catch 144 can define through-holes 150 thatcan be configured to simultaneously receive a retaining pin (not shown)to retain the cross bar 146 within each catch 144.

Optionally, at least one backstop 152 (e.g., a pair of backstops 152, asshown) can extend upwardly from the base portion 113 of the upperportion 110 of the frame 102. The backstops 152 can be configured toengage a portion of the rack (e.g., a portion of at least one supportmember 124 and/or a bottom surface of one or more slats 125) to hold therack parallel to the horizontal plane. In this configuration, it iscontemplated that the upper surface of the rack 104 can be 30 inches ormore than 30 inches above the ground (or other surface upon which theapparatus 100 rests).

The apparatus 100 can comprise corrosion-resistant materials, such as,for example, stainless steel or 4130 steel (ASTM A519), which canbeneficially be corrosion resistant and weldable. Further, some or allof the apparatus 100 can be powder coated to resist corrosion. The slatscan optionally comprise composite decking material, such as deck boards(e.g., TREX boards). It is contemplated that such slats can enabledismantling and reassembling for transport. For example, screws or otherfasteners that couple the rack to the frame can be removed and replacedin a different location. Further, it is contemplated that the slats canbe periodically replaced. It is contemplated that some or all of theapparatus 100 can be configured to resist corrosion for ten years. It iscontemplated that the apparatus 100 can be configured to support a loadof at least 750 pounds or more. Thus, for example, in some optionalaspects it is contemplated that 18 inches of packed snow covering theentire top surface can weigh about 660 pounds, allowing for 90 pounds ofsamples. In some aspects, one or more of the frame components (e.g.,base members 114), rack components (e.g., support members 124), and arms140 can comprise channel tubing (e.g., square tubing). Optionally, thecross bar 146 can have a diameter of about ½ inch.

Although disclosed herein as starting at a horizontal orientation, it iscontemplated that the pivotal movement of the rack can also occurrelative to other axes, such as, for example, and without limitation, avertical axis. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the framecan oriented vertically or at a different angle that permits desiredmovement of the rack. In such embodiments, it is further contemplatedthat the frame can be secured or coupled to a vertically extendingsurface (or other structure) to retain the frame in a desired position(and address gravitational forces).

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the apparatus 100 can comprise aplurality of racks that are independently selectively pivotable toselect (optionally, different) angular positions. In some aspects, theapparatus can comprise a lower frame portion 112 that receives andsupports a plurality of upper frame portions 110 that are coupled torespective racks 104.

It is contemplated that the time of wetness and chloride deposition arethe two main parameters for atmospheric corrosion testing and thesevariables can depend on the angle of exposure. As disclosed herein, thetest apparatus 100 can be modular and adjustable to allow changing thedirection of exposure (north, south, east or west) and the angle ofexposure (0, 30, 45-degrees to horizontal). These changes can be maderelatively easily and saves time of designing further for exposureangles and direction.

The apparatus 100 can be used to perform various corrosion tests,including, for example: ASTM G 50-76 (Reapproved 2003) describing thestandard practice for conducting atmospheric corrosion tests on metals;ASTM G4-01 (Reapproved 2014) describing the standard practice forconducting corrosion tests in field applications; and ASTM G 92-86(Reapproved 2003), characterizing standard practice for atmospheric testsites.

The apparatus can be used according to various optional methods. Oneoptional method can comprise positioning the rack at a select angle. Therack can be rotated so that the top surface of the rack is at leastpartially facing in a select cardinal direction. A material can beplaced on the rack. For example, the material can be placed on testboards as shown in FIG. 5. The test boards can be coupled to the rack(e.g., via wood screws that extend into the slats. The material can beleft on the rack for a predetermined amount of time or until apredetermined amount of exposure (e.g., a select number of days afterprecipitation) has occurred. The material can then be inspected.Optionally, a plurality of materials that can optionally be the samematerial or different materials can be tested simultaneously.Optionally, features, such as corrosion of the plurality of materials,can be compared.

In various aspects, various environmental exposures can be tracked. Forexample, a system 200 can comprise at least one apparatus 100 and one ormore of the following: a rain bucket 202 for quantifying precipitation,a temperature sensor 204, an ultraviolet sensor 206, a wind directionsensor 208, and a time of wetness sensor 210. Materials 212 for testingcan be coupled to the rack.

Various materials can be tested using embodiments of the apparatus, suchas, for example, magnesium and magnesium alloys.

Exemplary Aspects

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variationsthereof, herein below are described certain more particularly describedaspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should nothowever be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any differentclaims containing different or more general teachings described herein,or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way otherthan the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: An apparatus comprising: a frame; and a rack having agenerally planar face, a first edge, and an opposing second edge that isspaced from the first edge along a first axis, wherein the rack ispivotably coupled to the frame about a horizontal pivot axis, whereinthe rack is pivotable about and between at least a horizontalorientation and an angled orientation that provides a select verticaloffset between the first and second edges of the rack, wherein in thehorizontal orientation, the first axis is substantially perpendicular tothe horizontal pivot axis.

Aspect 2: The apparatus of aspect 1, further comprising at least one armthat is pivotably coupled to the rack, wherein the at least one armcomprises at least one catch that is configured to receive a portion ofthe frame to support the rack so that the first edge of the rack has theselect vertical offset with respect to the second edge of the rack.

Aspect 3: The apparatus of aspect 2, wherein the frame comprises a crossbar, wherein the at least one arm comprises a first arm and a second armthat are positioned on opposing sides of the rack, wherein each catch ofthe first arm is configured to cooperate with a corresponding catch ofthe second arm to receive the cross bar.

Aspect 4: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein theapparatus is configured for selectively orienting the generally planarface at each of a horizontal orientation that is parallel to ahorizontal plane, a first angled orientation that is at a first acuteangle with respect to the horizontal plane, and a second angledorientation that is at a second acute angle with respect to thehorizontal plane.

Aspect 5: The apparatus of aspect 4, wherein the first acute angle isbetween 5 degrees and 40 degrees, and the second acute angle is between35 degrees and 60 degrees.

Aspect 6: The apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the first acute angle isabout 30 degrees, and the second acute angle is about 45 degrees.

Aspect 7: The apparatus of any one of aspects 2-6, wherein the at leastone arm defines at least one notch, wherein the catch comprises the atleast one notch.

Aspect 8: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein theframe comprises a lower portion and an upper portion that is selectivelypositionable with respect to the lower portion in a first frameorientation and a second frame orientation that is angularly offset fromthe first orientation with respect to a vertical axis.

Aspect 9: The apparatus of aspect 8, wherein upper portion of the frameis selectively positionable with respect to the lower portion of theframe in at least four angularly equally spaced orientations.

Aspect 10: The apparatus of aspect 8 or aspect 9, wherein the upperportion of the frame is receivable into the lower portion of the frame.

Aspect 11: The apparatus of aspect 10, wherein the upper portion definesa square base having a side length, wherein the lower portion comprisesa pair of rails that are spaced by the side length plus a clearance,wherein the square base of the upper portion is receivable between thepair of rails of the lower portion.

Aspect 12: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, whereinthe frame is configured to support a weight of at least 750 pounds.

Aspect 13: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, whereinthe rack has an upper surface having dimensions of at least 40 inches byat least 40 inches.

Aspect 14: The apparatus of any one of aspects 1-12, wherein the rackhas an upper surface having dimensions of less than 24 inches by lessthan 24 inches

Aspect 15: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, whereinthe rack comprises a plurality of rigid slats having spacestherebetween, wherein the plurality of rigid slats cooperate to definethe generally planar face of the rack.

Aspect 16: A method comprising: placing a material sample on the rack ofan apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects; and analyzing a changein the material after a select amount of time.

Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, further comprising: adjusting therack so that the generally planar face of the rack is retained at aselect angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

Aspect 18: The method of aspect 16 or aspect 17, further comprisingrotating the rack about a vertical axis to orient the rack at a selectangle with respect to a cardinal direction.

Aspect 19: A system comprising: an apparatus as recited in any one ofaspects 1-15; and at least one sensor that is configured to detect anexposure of the rack to a respective environmental element, where the atleast one sensor comprises at least one of: a rain bucket, a temperaturesensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a wind direction sensor, or a time ofwetness sensor.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced withinthe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a frame; a rack having agenerally planar face, a first edge, and an opposing second edge that isspaced from the first edge along a first axis, wherein the rack ispivotably coupled to the frame about a horizontal pivot axis, whereinthe rack is pivotable about and between at least a horizontalorientation and an angled orientation that provides a select verticaloffset between the first and second edges of the rack, wherein in thehorizontal orientation, the first axis is substantially perpendicular tothe horizontal pivot axis, wherein the rack is configured to support amaterial sample; and at least one arm that is pivotably coupled to therack, wherein the at least one arm comprises at least one notch that isconfigured to receive a portion of the frame to support the rack so thatthe first edge of the rack has the select vertical offset with respectto the second edge of the rack, wherein the frame comprises a lowerportion and an upper portion that is selectively positionable withrespect to the lower portion in a first frame orientation and a secondframe orientation that is angularly offset from the first frameorientation with respect to a vertical axis to permit testing ofatmospheric exposure effects on the material sample at variousorientations.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises across bar, wherein the at least one arm comprises a first arm and asecond arm that are positioned on opposing sides of the rack, whereineach notch of the at least one notch of the first arm is configured tocooperate with a corresponding notch of the at least one notch of thesecond arm to receive the cross bar.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus is configured for selectively orienting thegenerally planar face at each of a horizontal face orientation that isparallel to a horizontal plane, a first angled face orientation that isat a first acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane, and asecond angled face orientation that is at a second acute angle withrespect to the horizontal plane.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe first acute angle is between 5 degrees and 40 degrees, and thesecond acute angle is between 35 degrees and 60 degrees.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the first acute angle is about 30 degrees,and the second acute angle is about 45 degrees.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the upper portion of the frame is selectivelypositionable with respect to the lower portion of the frame in at leastfour angularly equally spaced orientations.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the upper portion of the frame is receivable into the lowerportion of the frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the upperportion defines a square base having a side length, wherein the lowerportion comprises a pair of rails that are spaced by the side lengthplus a clearance, wherein the square base of the upper portion isreceivable between the pair of rails of the lower portion.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to support aweight of at least 750 pounds.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein therack has an upper surface having dimensions of at least 40 inches by atleast 40 inches.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rack has anupper surface having dimensions of less than 24 inches by less than 24inches.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rack comprises aplurality of rigid slats having spaces therebetween, wherein theplurality of rigid slats cooperate to define the generally planar faceof the rack.
 13. A method comprising: placing a material sample on arack of an apparatus, the rack having a generally planar face, a firstedge, and an opposing second edge that is spaced from the first edgealong a first axis, the apparatus further comprising: a frame, whereinthe rack is pivotably coupled to the frame about a horizontal pivotaxis, wherein the rack is pivotable about and between at least ahorizontal orientation and an angled orientation that provides a selectvertical offset between the first and second edges of the rack, whereinin the horizontal orientation, the first axis is substantiallyperpendicular to the horizontal pivot axis; and at least one arm that ispivotably coupled to the rack, wherein the at least one arm comprises atleast one notch that is configured to receive a portion of the frame tosupport the rack so that the first edge of the rack has the selectvertical offset with respect to the second edge of the rack, wherein theframe comprises a lower portion and an upper portion that is selectivelypositionable with respect to the lower portion in a first frameorientation and a second frame orientation that is angularly offset fromthe first frame orientation with respect to a vertical axis to permittesting of atmospheric exposure effects on the material sample atvarious orientations; and analyzing a change in the material sampleafter a select amount of time.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: adjusting the rack so that the generally planar face of therack is retained at a select angle with respect to a horizontal plane.15. The method of claim 13, further comprising rotating the rack about avertical axis to orient the rack at a select angle with respect to acardinal direction.
 16. A system comprising: an apparatus having: aframe; a rack having a generally planar face, a first edge, and anopposing second edge that is spaced from the first edge along a firstaxis, wherein the rack is pivotably coupled to the frame about ahorizontal pivot axis, wherein the rack is pivotable about and betweenat least a horizontal orientation and an angled orientation thatprovides a select vertical offset between the first and second edges ofthe rack, wherein in the horizontal orientation, the first axis issubstantially perpendicular to the horizontal pivot axis, wherein therack is configured to support a material sample; and at least one armthat is pivotably coupled to the rack, wherein the at least one armcomprises at least one notch that is configured to receive a portion ofthe frame to support the rack so that the first edge of the rack has theselect vertical offset with respect to the second edge of the rack,wherein the frame comprises a lower portion and an upper portion that isselectively positionable with respect to the lower portion in a firstframe orientation and a second frame orientation that is angularlyoffset from the first frame orientation with respect to a vertical axisto permit testing of atmospheric exposure effects on the material sampleat various orientations; and at least one sensor that is configured todetect an exposure of the rack to a respective environmental element,where the at least one sensor comprises at least one of: a rain bucket,a temperature sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a wind direction sensor, ora time of wetness sensor.
 17. An apparatus comprising: a framecomprising a lower portion and an upper portion that is selectivelypositionable with respect to the lower portion in a first frameorientation and a second frame orientation that is angularly offset fromthe first frame orientation with respect to a vertical axis, wherein theupper portion of the frame is receivable into the lower portion of theframe, wherein the upper portion defines a square base having a sidelength, wherein the lower portion comprises a pair of rails that arespaced by the side length plus a clearance, wherein the square base ofthe upper portion is receivable between the pair of rails of the lowerportion; and a rack having a generally planar face, a first edge, and anopposing second edge that is spaced from the first edge along a firstaxis, wherein the rack is pivotably coupled to the frame about ahorizontal pivot axis, wherein the rack is pivotable about and betweenat least a horizontal orientation and an angled orientation thatprovides a select vertical offset between the first and second edges ofthe rack, wherein in the horizontal orientation, the first axis issubstantially perpendicular to the horizontal pivot axis, wherein therack is configured to support a material sample, and wherein the frameand the rack are configured to permit testing of atmospheric exposureeffects on the material sample at various orientations.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one arm that ispivotably coupled to the rack, wherein the at least one arm comprises atleast one notch that is configured to receive a portion of the frame tosupport the rack so that the first edge of the rack has the selectvertical offset with respect to the second edge of the rack.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the frame comprises a cross bar, whereinthe at least one arm comprises a first arm and a second arm that arepositioned on opposing sides of the rack, wherein each notch of the atleast one notch of the first arm is configured to cooperate with acorresponding notch of the at least one notch of the second arm toreceive the cross bar.